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Feel the magic of Barcelona in December, when the city transforms into a festive wonderland, adorned with sparkling lights and plenty of Christmas decorations. Enjoy the unique blend of traditional and modern culture that characterises this Catalan gem, and discover hidden treasures and local traditions. The Barcelona weather in December features mild daytime temperatures with lots of sunshine. From charming Christmas markets to unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebrations, we’ve put together a day-by-day guide to help you make the most of your visit.
Absolutely! December is a fantastic time to explore Barcelona. The city transforms into a festive wonderland, with twinkling Christmas lights and beautifully decorated streets. The Christmas markets, such as Fira de Santa Llúcia and Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada FamÃlia, are brimming with unique gifts, local crafts, and delicious holiday treats. The mild temperatures make it comfortable to explore the city without the sweltering heat of summer, and the reduced number of tourists means you can enjoy popular attractions like the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell with shorter lines and less crowding.
However, do keep in mind that some attractions and businesses may have limited hours during the Christmas holidays. But this also means you get to experience the local traditions and Christmas festivities in a more intimate setting. Overall, the combination of festive cheer, cultural richness, and pleasant weather makes December a wonderful time to visit Barcelona.
Start your Barcelona adventure at the city’s oldest and most beloved Christmas market, Fira de Santa Llúcia. Located in front of the Barcelona Cathedral, this market dates back to 1786 and offers a wide selection of traditional Catalan handicrafts, festive decorations and souvenirs.
No trip to Barcelona is complete without visiting Antoni GaudÃ’s masterpiece. Take a audio guided tour of the Sagrada Familia and admire its stunning, unique architecture adorned with festive decorations.
After visiting the basilica, be sure to check out the Fira de Nadal a la Sagrada FamÃlia, which is right next to the basilica. With over 100 stalls offering crafts, gastronomic delights, and holiday decorations, this market is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
Barcelona’s Parc de la Ciutadella is like the counterpart to New York’s Central Park. Locals and tourists meet here to have a picnic, take part in a yoga or dance class, go for a walk, etc. The Cuitadella is home to numerous attractions, including a waterfall, the Barcelona Zoo, several museums and a variety of sculptures.
Warm up with some hearty Catalan dishes at El Nacional, a gastronomic paradise housed in a beautifully restored Art Nouveau building. El Nacional in Barcelona is a unique gastronomic experience that includes four different restaurants under one roof. It is located in the heart of Passeig de Grà cia and offers a combination of traditional Iberian cuisine and impressive architecture with high ceilings, stained glass windows and a nostalgic charm.
Stroll down the famous La Rambla and dive into the colorful Boqueria Market for some holiday shopping and local delicacies.
Dress up and experience Barcelona’s nightlife in the legendary club Razzmatazz, with five different halls playing different genres of music, such as indie, rock and electronic.
Discover unique gifts and artisanal products at the hip Palo Alto Christmas Market in the Poblenou neighborhood
Enjoy winter ice skating in the biggest shopping centre in Barcelona. After shopping, you can put down your shopping bags and put on your ice skates for just a few euros.
The Christmas lights on Passeig de Grà cia are a true highlight of the Christmas season. 355 fairy lights and 150 decorative butterflies create a very touching and festive atmosphere.
One ticket that gives you access to all the top attractions, with no queues and at reduced prices
Experience the passion of flamenco at one of Barcelona’s most renowned venues, Tablao Cordobés.
The most beautiful park in Barcelona and an absolute must-see: Park Güell. It is a masterpiece by the architect Antoni Gaudà and is considered one of the city’s most important tourist attractions. The colours, mosaics and panoramic view of the city are unique.
Join a Brewery tour & beer tasting at Estrella Damm Barcelona and discover the elaborate brewing process of Estrella Damm, which is still brewed according to the original recipe from 1876. There are two diffrent tours: one in the new brewery in el Prat and one in the ancient one in the area Eixample.
Lose yourself in the narrow, winding streets of the Gothic Quarter, stopping to enjoy the charming cafes and boutiques and be surprised by the small, hidden ‘placas’.
Escape the city for a day and visit the breathtaking Montserrat monastery, nestled in the mountains outside Barcelona. Take the scenic cog railway journey up to the summit, which offers impressive views of the bizarre rock formation.
Watch the football match FC Barcelona vs CD Leganés at the Estadi OlÃmpic LluÃs Companys in Montjuic. Get your tickets here.
If you want to try churros con chocolate, head to La Granja Pallaresa, one of the best cafés in the city. This is the place to find the authentic version of this winter dessert.
Poble Espanyol in Barcelona is an open-air museum that includes 117 replicas of typical buildings from different regions of Spain. So you can take a trip to Andalusia, the Basque Country and Mallorca in one afternoon. Christmas spirit also awaits you here in December.
Visit the Three Kings Fair on Gran Via, where you can find toys, sweets, and gifts for children and adults alike.
Explore the most traditional and trendy tapas bars and try the rich variety of authentic Catalan specialities. Tours with local guides take place at different times, including 12.30 am / 1.30 pm / 2.15 pm / 4.00 pm very day. Reserve here.
Don’t miss the trendy Moco Museum in Barcelona. Here you can experience an impressive collection of contemporary art, ranging from street art to pop art. The works come from well-known artists such as Banksy, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring and Salvador DalÃ.
It is probably the most beautiful and most photographed house on Passeig de Gracia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece by Gaudà that you should definitely visit. In December, light shows and live performances take place regularly at Casa Batlló.
AIRE Ancient Baths in Barcelona is a luxurious spa situated in an 18th-century historic warehouse near the Born market. Its unique atmosphere provides deep relaxation for body and mind, where time seems to stand still.
Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet, The Nutcracker, performed by the Orquestra Simfònica del Vallès. This enchanting production combines music with storytelling and illustration, making it a perfect festive outing.
Experience a traditional Catalan Christmas Eve by attending Midnight Mass at the beautiful Santa Maria del Mar basilica.
Treat yourself to a luxurious Christmas brunch with breathtaking views of the sea at the iconic W Barcelona Hotel.
Take the cable car (Teleférico de Montjuïc) to the Montjuïc Castle for panoramic views of the city and harbor, and explore the surrounding parks and museums.
Experience Spanish cuisine up close with a paella-cooking class. Whether vegetarian, with seafood or meat, the master chefs of this course will show you step-by-step the secrets of paella-making so you can surprise your guests with a home-cooked paella.
You really can spend the whole day at CosmoCaixa! Exciting exhibitions and interactive experiments bring science to life. Particularly noteworthy are the recreated Amazon rainforest, the planetarium and numerous interactive stations that invite both children and adults to participate and explore.
Take a winter stroll along Barceloneta Beach during the winter season and enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants.
Experience Barcelona on a catamaran tour along the city skyline. Enjoy the view, the sunset and the sea breeze while listening to relaxing live music.
Ring in the New Year at Plaça d’Espanya, where you can enjoy a spectacular public fireworks display and join the locals in the tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight for good luck.
Visiting Barcelona in December offers a great variety of winter activities for all interests and ages. Here are some top picks to make your visit unforgettable:
Ice Skating: Glide across the ice at one of Barcelona’s seasonal ice rinks. The Ice Rink of FC Barcelona or Tibidabo are very popular. The ice rink of the Magic Fountain close to Plaza Espana is temporary closed.
Christmas Markets: Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit by visiting the city’s charming Xmas markets. La Fira de Santa Llúcia and Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada FamÃlia are must-visits, where you can find unique gifts, savor local delicacies, and soak up the festive atmosphere.
FC Barcelona: No visit to Barcelona is complete without experiencing the thrill of a football match. Cheer on FC Barcelona and feel the electric energy of the crowd.
Winter Hiking: For nature enthusiasts, the mountains and forests surrounding Barcelona offer stunning winter hiking opportunities. Explore Montserrat or the Pyrenees and enjoy the crisp winter air and breathtaking views.
Museum Visits: Escape the chill and delve into Barcelona’s rich cultural heritage at its many museums. The Dali Museum and the Picasso Museum are perfect for art lovers, offering a deep dive into the works of these iconic artists.
Christmas Lights: Take an evening stroll through the city to admire the sparkling festive lights. The Lights of Hospital Sant Pau are particularly spectacular, creating a festive and enchanting atmosphere.
New Year’s Eve: Ring in the New Year in style with Barcelona’s vibrant celebrations. Enjoy public fireworks displays, live music, and dancing in the streets, making it a night to remember.
Barcelona’s winter weather is mild, with average highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C.
Pack light jackets, hoodies, and warm clothing for cooler evenings
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and sunglasses for sunny days
December is a great time to visit Barcelona, with plenty of sunshine and minimal rainfall
Use public transportation, such as the metro and bus, to get around the city
Take a taxi or ride-sharing service, such as Uber or Cabify
Walk or bike around the city, a great way to explore and discover new neighborhoods
Use the hop-on-hop-off bus, a convenient and affordable way to see the city’s main attractions
Take a guided tour, a great way to learn about the city’s history and culture
